Lo Mein is a delicious Chinese dish made with soft, stir-fried noodles and a variety of flavorful vegetables, meats, and sauces. The key to making great lo mein is using fresh, high-quality ingredients and following the right techniques. Whether you’re making a classic vegetable lo mein or adding chicken, beef, or shrimp, the method is quite simple and can be prepared quickly for a satisfying meal. In this article, we will walk you through the entire process of making lo mein noodles from scratch, including how to prepare the noodles, cook the vegetables, and stir-fry everything together for a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish. Let’s get started!
What Is Lo Mein?
Lo Mein (literally “stirred noodles”) is a Chinese dish consisting of boiled egg noodles, stir-fried with a variety of ingredients. The dish typically features vegetables, meats, and seafood, all combined with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings. The texture of the noodles is crucial to a successful lo mein. They should be soft yet chewy, providing the perfect base for the sauce and toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make lo mein at home, you will need a few key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make a basic lo mein:
For the Noodles, you will need Lo Mein noodles. You can use store-bought fresh or dried lo mein noodles, or substitute with other egg noodles if necessary.
For the Vegetables, include carrots thinly sliced into matchsticks or julienned, bell peppers sliced thinly, baby bok choy or spinach (for a classic lo mein, bok choy is perfect), green onions chopped into small pieces, mushrooms (shiitake mushrooms are a good choice, but any variety will work), and snow peas or snap peas for a bit of crunch.
For the Sauce, you’ll need soy sauce, which is the base of the sauce and adds saltiness and umami, oyster sauce for sweetness and depth of flavor, sesame oil for a nutty aroma and taste, hoisin sauce to add a little sweetness and richness, sugar to balance out the flavors, and garlic (fresh or minced).
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lo Mein
Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the instructions on the package. Fresh noodles usually take about 2-3 minutes to cook, while dried noodles will need 4-6 minutes. Make sure to cook them al dente (firm to the bite) as they will continue cooking when stir-fried. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside. To prevent sticking, toss the noodles with a little sesame oil or vegetable oil.
Prepare the Vegetables
While the noodles are cooking, prepare your vegetables. Slice the carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms thinly. Cut the bok choy into bite-sized pieces, and chop the green onions. If you’re using snow peas, trim the ends. Preparing the vegetables in advance will make the stir-frying process go smoothly.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic. Stir the ingredients together until the sugar dissolves. Taste the sauce and adjust if needed, adding more sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor or more soy sauce for a saltier, umami-rich taste.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and allow it to heat up. Start by adding the carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still slightly crunchy. Add the bok choy and snow peas and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until all the vegetables are cooked through but retain their color and crispness. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.
Stir-Fry the Noodles
In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil. Once heated, add the cooked noodles to the pan. Stir-fry the noodles for about 2 minutes, tossing them so they get coated with the oil and begin to heat through. If you like a slightly crispy texture on your noodles, you can let them sit in the pan for an extra minute.
Combine Everything
Return the cooked vegetables to the wok with the noodles. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables, tossing everything together to ensure an even coating. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the noodles are heated through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Garnish and Serve
Once everything is combined and well-cooked, transfer the lo mein to serving plates. Garnish with additional chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your homemade lo mein noodles!
Tips for the Perfect Lo Mein
- Use fresh lo mein noodles if possible for the best texture. If using dried noodles, be sure not to overcook them.
- Customize your lo mein by adding your favorite proteins, like chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Simply cook the protein first, remove it from the pan, and add it back in when combining everything.
- Make sure to stir-fry the noodles quickly on high heat to get that signature wok-fried flavor.
- If the sauce becomes too thick during stir-frying, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili paste to make the dish spicier.
Conclusion
Making lo mein noodles at home is a simple and rewarding process. With fresh ingredients and a flavorful sauce, you can enjoy this popular Chinese dish right in your own kitchen. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also highly customizable. Whether you’re making a vegetarian version or adding your favorite protein, lo mein is a versatile meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Related topics:
